Halt the Salt?

A high-sodium diet increases blood pressure and high blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and dementia. High sodium consumption has also been linked to osteoporosis, asthma, stomach cancer and obesity.

   

How much salt should you have in a day?

The Canadian Stroke Network recommends: 1,500 mg. a day for adults. The Upper Tolerable Limit is 2,300 mg. of sodium.

Canadians get most ( about 77%) of their daily salt intake from eating processed foods— Pizza, soup, and even spaghetti sauce. For example: Two slices (292 grams total) of a Pepperoni Lover’s large stuffed crust pizza at Pizza Hut contain 3,000 mg of sodium – double the recommended intake for a full day. One cup of salt reduced soup contains 480 mg of sodium.

Back in 2007 Health Canada set up a Sodium Working Group to develop a plan to dramatically reduce the amount of salt in processed foods through voluntary action. Reducing salt in pre- pared foods could reduce cases of heart disease and stroke as much as reductions in smoking and overweight. The expert panel was going to track whether companies are in fact reducing the level of salt in processed foods. Its work was considered key until last fall, when the panel was quietly disbanded and its mandate was transferred to an panel that advises on a range of food issues.

You can “Put the Possibility into Stroke Disability” by:

1. Reading labels on prepared foods and choosing lower salt alternatives. 
2. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
3.  Preparing your food at home with fresh ingredients. (Want fresh food delivered to you door? See the Good Food Box)